Sir Christopher Chope OBE MP joined staff at AE Jollife & Son in Ferndown recently for the grand opening of their ceremony room.

It comes following significant investment from Douch Family Funeral Directors, who operate the branch, to build a space not only for funeral services, but also for local community groups.

Sir Christopher unveiled a plaque in the new Sheila Kendrick Ceremony Suite, named in honour of the daughter of Bert Jolliffe who set up the business prior to its acquisition.

“This is a great investment for Ferndown”, said Sir Christopher.

“It will benefit the whole community, and I know the family has its fifth generation coming up in the business.

“It’s a great pleasure to be asked to officially open what is a great asset for the town.”

The 1930s house on the site has been extended to provide a reception area, offices, meeting rooms and five chapels of rest, along with added parking spaces.

Attached to the suite is a catering area for hosting wakes, and a garden has also been planted to offer visitors a space for reflection.

MD Nick Douch added: “While the new facility has been operational for some time, it’s now had its official opening.

“Our chapels of rest were blessed by Rev Patches Chabala and Fr Anthony Achunonu, with numerous other clergymen attending.

“We had a presentation in the new ceremony room before Sir Christopher Chope unveiled the plaque, and we were pleased that Krissy Stamp, Mayoress of Ferndown, was able to attend.

“We had many other official guests, including representatives from DMW Architects and Greendale Construction, who designed and built the premises.

“Our commitment to the community we serve is something we take seriously, and we want local people to use what we have created.

“We have a rolling programme of updating or rebuilding all our seven branches across Dorset.”